The information provided under this section helps a new expat get acquainted with some general information about living, cultural, political aspects and religious beliefs in Kuwait to have an informed life start.
Kuwait is the largest city on the Arabian Gulf with a population nearing four million. Though the land area is similar to the size of Wales, the population is mostly confined to a single conurbation. The climate of Kuwait is that of a semi-desert with winter temperatures falling close to freezing but with summer temperature exceeding 50°C in the shade. Despite the high summer temperatures, living conditions remain comfortable with the extensive use of air-conditioning.
Kuwait is a friendly, pleasant and easy place to live in. The cost of living is similar to any other developed state and how far one’s money goes really depends on one’s choice of lifestyle. LANGUAGEEnglish is spoken by the majority of people in Kuwait. Nearly all shops, road-signs, advertising and even the currency employ English script as well as Arabic. TRANSPORTATIONTaxis are the most distinct, practical and convenient type of transportation in Kuwait, as they are easily located in several residential areas, and public places in all of the cities in Kuwait. There are taxi offices everywhere in Kuwait. Majority of taxis operate 24 hours. |
With the cheapest fuel prices and large urban motorways and expressways, many take the opportunity to own vehicles whilst some choose to lease rental cars. Kuwait City has no shortage of transportation options whether for tourists or corporate travelers. Kuwait has a well-developed road system. CLIMATEKuwait's climate is one of extremes. Maximum temperatures in the summer can rise above 50 degrees centigrade, but can drop to below 0 degrees in the desert in the winter. Summer is deemed to run from May to October and sees not only extremely hot weather, but also spectacular sand storms with high winds which can reduce visibility to nil. It’s usually very pleasant during November to April. Annual rainfall is about 5 inches. In general the coastal area is marginally cooler and more pleasant. Humidity is usually low. |
RELIGIONKuwait is an Islamic state, and mosques of varying size and importance are to be found throughout the country. The largest is the Great Grand Mosque (Masjid Al Kabir) opposite the Seif Palace. For most newcomers, their first awareness of Islam will come as the dawn prayer rings out across the city, the first of five calls to prayer each day. |
Kuwait is a shopper’s paradise! There are excellent super markets selling food stuffs from all over the world, including all of the well-known brands. Major international household stores are represented including CARREFOUR, GEANT, IKEA, ACE, MARKS & SPENCER and DEBENHAMS, along with numerous local. |
PRACTICE OF OTHER RELIGIONS- Unlike other Middle Eastern countries Kuwait has a written Constitution i.e. Article 35 that states… “Freedom of belief is absolute. The State protects the freedom of practicing religion in accordance with established customs, provided that it does not conflict with public policy or morals.” PERSONAL CONDUCT /BEHAVIORExercise particular care in your behavior with others, especially officials, to avoid offending local sensitivities. Verbal insults and obscene gestures may be considered a criminal act and, if found guilty, the accused could face deportation, fines and/or a prison sentence. People have been detained on allegations of showing disrespect toward others by making verbal insults and obscene gestures. Avoid intimate physical contacts, in public. |
POPULATIONKuwait's population is so small that the country has traditionally needed a significant foreign workforce. Consequently, there is a large population of non-Kuwaitis working in Kuwait. The expatriate workforce is multinational with particularly large numbers of Egyptians, Indians, Filipinos and Pakistanis. The total population is about 3.4 million. The holy month of Ramadan is important as a month wherein all Muslims fast completely from dawn to sunset– this refers refraining from eating, drinking and smoking, and to every other "bodily indulgence" including malicious gossip and spite. |
PROHIBITED ITEMSItems like Alcoholic beverages, pork and bacon products, pigskin and, of course, narcotics of any kind are absolutely prohibited. Videos/DVDs are subject to censorship and some books are blacklisted as politically subversive. Pornographic material is banned. Import restrictions are similar to those found in other countries as regards fire arms and explosives. DRIVING LICENCEIt is relatively easy, although time consuming and tedious, to get a Kuwait driving license, if you already have a driving license. Unfortunately, it is not possible to get a license until residency has been stamped and the Civil I.D. card obtained. This can take two to three months. To save time buy a car! The process involves translation of the Home Country license, completion of application form and various letters provided by the school. Applicants then take all of their paperwork to the local Traffic Department, have an eye test, make a payment and a license (usually for 10 years) is issued. |
Islam forbids the consumption of alcohol and pork products of any kind and these commodities are therefore illegal in Kuwait. |
TELEPHONESTelephones Land Lines cannot be applied for until all residency documentation is complete (6-8 weeks). Local calls are free and international calls can be received on land line phones. International lines can also be applied for, but are very expensive (KD 500 deposit) and are not recommended. Telephone cards can easily be obtained to make international calls and the cost is quite reasonable, being comparable to the international rates at off peak times. Mobile phones are very popular, it is recommended to bring your own mobile and change the chip when you arrive in Kuwait. Ensure your phone is ‘unlocked’ to accept a Kuwaiti sim card. Local sim card can be obtained by submitting a copy of your passport or civil to any local service provider outlet and can be activated immediately. POSTAL SERVICESThe postal service is normally reliable, but there are occasional lapses. Letters to or from the all parts of the world usually take 5 and 10 working days. Many use private courier services like DHL, TNT etc. for timely and safe delivery of items. |
TRAVELLINGExpats who have residency can travel in and out of Kuwait as they wish. At present it is, for obvious reasons, not possible to travel to Iraq and obtaining a visa to travel to or through Saudi Arabia is very difficult. However, people frequently travel to Bahrain and the UAE on weekends. Also reasonably accessible are Oman, Egypt and Cyprus. Many take advantage of longer holidays to travel further to such destinations as India, Turkey, Thailand and Kenya. HEALTH CAREAll expatriates are charged KD 50 per annum for Government health care - this is paid by the employer. There are well equipped government andprivate clinics and hospitals throughout Kuwait offering medical care. Standards are usually good. Most expatriates use the government clinics. There are many excellent pharmacies throughout Kuwait and these operate a rota system for night services. Most hospitals and clinics have in-house pharmacies. There are many efficient and reasonably priced opticians where eye tests are free and glasses delivered within 24 hours. Banks offer yearly travel insurance for a nominal sum and will cover health costs when overseas (not in Kuwait). |
FINANCE AND BANKINGKuwaiti Dinar (KD) is currency of Kuwait. It is traditionally a stable currency linked to the dollar. However, rates do vary from day to day – but is usually approximately I KD = 3.3 USD. Informative Websiteshttps://kuwait.visahq.com/www.kuwaittimes.net www.aware.com.kw www.expatwoman.com www.expatarrivals.com/kuwait/pros-and-cons-of-moving-to-kuwait www.e.gov.kw/sites/kgoEnglish/Pages/Visitors/Visitors.aspx |
HEALTH REGULATIONSIn order to qualify for residency one must have a medical check which is mostly geared towards detecting such major diseases as AIDS, Hepatitis, Malaria and TB. Those found to have serious infectious diseases are not allowed to stay in the country. Embassies Website and Contactswww.kuwaitiah.net/embassy.htmlwww.kuwait.usembassy.gov www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-embassy-kuwait www.canadainternational.gc.ca/kuwait-koweit/ |